In signal-level conventions, a positive-logic AND gate is equivalent to which negative-logic gate (i.e., when 0 and 1 meanings are swapped for inputs and output)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: OR gate

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Logic functions depend not only on gate symbols but also on the interpretation of voltage levels. Under positive logic, high = 1 and low = 0. Under negative logic, this interpretation is inverted. Understanding equivalence between positive- and negative-logic gates is a classic application of De Morgan’s transformations and level conventions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Positive logic: high means 1, low means 0.
  • Negative logic: high means 0, low means 1 (polarity inverted).
  • We seek the negative-logic gate that performs the same Boolean relation as a positive-logic AND.


Concept / Approach:

When signal interpretation flips, the logical operations dualize. A positive-logic AND corresponds to a negative-logic OR: both represent the same underlying hardware relation viewed through opposite level meanings. Intuitively, if asserting any negative-logic input (i.e., pulling it low in physical voltage) suffices to assert the output (also low), then in negative-logic terms the function is OR while in positive-logic terms the same hardware is AND.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Start with positive-logic AND: F = A * B with 1 as high.2) Re-interpret with negative logic (invert meanings): low becomes logical 1, high becomes logical 0.3) Under the inverted interpretation, the same physical truth table maps to OR between negative-logic variables.4) Hence the equivalence: positive AND ≡ negative OR.


Verification / Alternative check:

Apply De Morgan’s view of complemented variables and observe that complementing inputs and output of OR yields AND and vice versa when switching logic sense.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

NAND/NOR involve output inversion relative to AND/OR, which is not what a pure logic-sense swap implies. 'AND gate' does not change with a polarity swap. Thus 'OR gate' is the correct negative-logic equivalent.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing negative logic (level interpretation) with inserting physical inverters, and mixing up NAND/NOR identities with logic-sense equivalence.


Final Answer:

OR gate

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion